How to Renew Your Green Card in 2026: Timeline, Costs, and Common Mistakes

How to Renew Your Green Card in 2026: Timeline, Costs, and Common Mistakes

Your green card is more than a plastic card. It is proof of your lawful permanent resident status in the United States, and it affects your ability to work, travel, and eventually apply for citizenship. When that card approaches its expiration date, renewing it on time is essential. Letting it lapse can create unnecessary complications in your daily life and your long-term immigration goals.

At J. Lee & Associates Law Group, we help permanent residents throughout Georgia navigate the green card renewal process. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about renewing your green card in 2026, including how to file Form I-90, current fees, processing times at the Atlanta Field Office, and the most common mistakes that delay approvals.

When Should You Renew Your Green Card?

USCIS recommends that you file your green card renewal application no earlier than six months before the expiration date printed on your card. Filing within this window ensures that your application is processed in a timely manner and that you maintain continuous proof of your permanent resident status.

If your green card has already expired, you can and should still file for renewal immediately. An expired green card does not mean you have lost your permanent resident status, but it does make it significantly harder to prove your authorization to work and travel. Employers using E-Verify may flag an expired card, and airlines may question your documentation at boarding.

There are two types of green cards you should be aware of:

• 10-year green cards are issued to most lawful permanent residents and must be renewed every ten years by filing Form I-90.
• 2-year conditional green cards are issued to individuals who obtained permanent residence through marriage to a U.S. citizen when the marriage was less than two years old at the time of approval. Conditional residents must file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, during the 90-day window before the card expires. This is a different process from a standard renewal and has its own requirements.

Understanding which type of card you hold is the first step. If you are unsure, look at the expiration date on your card. A two-year expiration indicates a conditional card, and a ten-year expiration indicates a standard permanent resident card.

Filing Form I-90: Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card

The green card renewal process begins with Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. This form is used both for renewing an expiring card and for replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card.

How to File

USCIS strongly encourages applicants to file Form I-90 online through their myUSCIS account at uscis.gov. Online filing is faster, allows you to track your case status in real time, and provides immediate confirmation of receipt. However, you may also file by mail if necessary.

If filing by mail, send your completed Form I-90 and supporting documents to the USCIS lockbox address specified in the form instructions. Be sure to use the most current version of the form, as USCIS periodically updates it and will reject outdated versions.

Required Documents

When filing Form I-90, you will typically need to include:

• A copy of your current or expired green card (front and back)
• A copy of a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license or passport)
• Two passport-style photographs (if filing by mail)
• Any additional documentation required based on the reason for your application (for example, a police report if your card was stolen, or a court order if your name has changed)

Filing Fees for Green Card Renewal in 2026

As of 2026, the total filing fee for Form I-90 is $540. This amount includes:

• $415 for the Form I-90 filing fee
• $125 for the biometrics services fee

You can pay by credit card, debit card, check, or money order. If you are filing online, payment is processed electronically at the time of submission.

If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may be eligible to request a fee waiver by filing Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver. Fee waivers are granted based on financial hardship, receipt of means-tested government benefits, or income at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. Note that fee waivers are not available for all form types, so confirm eligibility before relying on this option.

The Biometrics Appointment

After USCIS receives your Form I-90 and payment, you will be scheduled for a biometrics appointment at a local Application Support Center (ASC). For residents in the greater Atlanta area, this appointment is typically scheduled at the Atlanta ASC or a nearby facility in Georgia.

At the biometrics appointment, USCIS will collect your:

• Fingerprints
• Photograph
• Signature

This information is used for background checks and to produce your new green card. You must bring your biometrics appointment notice and a valid photo ID to the appointment. Failure to attend your scheduled appointment without requesting a reschedule can result in your application being considered abandoned.

Biometrics appointments are generally scheduled within three to six weeks after filing. If the scheduled date does not work for you, you can request a reschedule by following the instructions on the appointment notice, but rescheduling may add weeks to your overall timeline.

Processing Times in 2026: What to Expect

Green card renewal processing times have been a source of frustration for applicants in recent years. As of early 2026, USCIS processing times for Form I-90 at the Atlanta Field Office and the associated service centers range from approximately 12 to 18 months from the date of filing to receipt of the new card.

Several factors affect processing times:

• Overall USCIS workload and backlog at the processing center handling your case
• Background check delays, particularly if there are name matches or prior immigration issues
• Errors or omissions on your application that trigger Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
• Filing method: online filings tend to be processed faster than paper filings

You can check your case status at any time using your receipt number on the USCIS Case Status Online tool or through your myUSCIS account.

Traveling While Your Green Card Renewal Is Pending

One of the most common questions we receive at J. Lee & Associates is whether you can travel internationally while your I-90 application is pending. The answer is yes, but with important precautions.

If your green card is still valid (not yet expired), you can use it to reenter the United States. However, if your green card has expired or will expire during your trip, you should visit the Atlanta Field Office before you travel to request a temporary I-551 stamp (also known as an Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunication stamp, or ADIT stamp) in your passport.

The I-551 stamp serves as temporary proof of your permanent resident status and is typically valid for one year. It allows you to board your return flight and reenter the United States without issues at the port of entry.

To obtain an I-551 stamp at the Atlanta Field Office, you will generally need to schedule an InfoPass appointment through the USCIS Contact Center or your myUSCIS account. Bring your expired green card, your passport, and your I-90 receipt notice to the appointment.

Important: Do not travel internationally without either a valid green card or an I-551 stamp. Attempting to reenter without proper documentation can lead to delays, secondary inspection, or in rare cases, denial of entry.

Expedited Processing: Is It Available?

Unlike certain employment-based petitions, Form I-90 does not qualify for premium processing. There is no way to pay an additional fee to speed up your green card renewal.

However, USCIS may grant an expedite request in limited circumstances, including:

• Severe financial loss to a company or individual
• Urgent humanitarian reasons
• A nonprofit organization making a request in furtherance of U.S. cultural or social interests
• A U.S. government interest
• Emergency situations

Expedite requests must be submitted directly to USCIS and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Approval is not guaranteed. If you believe you have a qualifying reason for expedited processing, an immigration attorney can help you prepare and submit the request properly.

Common Mistakes That Delay Green Card Renewal

After handling hundreds of green card renewal cases at our Atlanta office, we have identified the most frequent mistakes that cause unnecessary delays:

1. Using an Outdated Form

USCIS updates Form I-90 periodically. Filing with an expired edition will result in an automatic rejection and the return of your application. Always download the most current version directly from uscis.gov on the day you plan to file.

2. Incorrect Fee Payment

Submitting the wrong fee amount, using an expired credit card, or writing a check to the wrong payee will cause your application to be returned. Double-check that you are paying the current total of $540 and that payment is made to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security."

3. Missing or Inconsistent Information

Leaving required fields blank or providing information that does not match your immigration records can trigger a Request for Evidence, adding months to your processing time. Review every field carefully and ensure your name, date of birth, A-number, and address are accurate and consistent with your existing records.

4. Failing to Sign the Application

It sounds simple, but an unsigned Form I-90 will be rejected. If filing on paper, make sure you sign and date the form before mailing it.

5. Not Attending the Biometrics Appointment

Missing your biometrics appointment without requesting a reschedule can lead USCIS to consider your application abandoned. If you cannot attend, contact USCIS immediately to reschedule.

6. Filing Form I-90 Instead of Form I-751

If you hold a conditional (2-year) green card, you cannot renew it with Form I-90. You must file Form I-751 to remove the conditions on your residence. Filing the wrong form wastes time and money, as USCIS will reject the application and you will need to start over.

7. Waiting Too Long to File

Given current processing times of 12 to 18 months, waiting until the last minute to file means you may be without a valid card for an extended period. File as soon as you are within the six-month window before expiration.

Conditional Green Card Holders: A Different Process

If you received your green card through marriage and it has a two-year expiration, you are a conditional permanent resident. Your renewal process is fundamentally different. You must file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, jointly with your U.S. citizen spouse during the 90-day window before your card expires.

If you are divorced, separated, or the victim of domestic abuse, you may file Form I-751 with a waiver of the joint filing requirement. This is a more complex process that requires substantial documentation, and we strongly recommend working with an immigration attorney.

The filing fee for Form I-751 is different from Form I-90, and the evidentiary requirements are more demanding. You will need to demonstrate that your marriage was entered into in good faith by providing evidence such as joint tax returns, shared financial accounts, lease agreements, photographs, and affidavits from people who know your relationship.

Protect Your Status: Let J. Lee & Associates Help

Renewing your green card should be straightforward, but the reality of long processing times, evolving USCIS procedures, and common filing errors means that many applicants face unexpected obstacles. Whether you have a standard 10-year card or a conditional card that requires Form I-751, having an experienced immigration attorney review your application before you file can save you months of delays and unnecessary stress.

At J. Lee & Associates Law Group, our Atlanta immigration attorneys handle green card renewals every day. We ensure your application is complete, accurate, and filed correctly the first time. We also assist with I-551 stamp requests for pending renewals, expedite requests when circumstances warrant, and the full I-751 process for conditional residents.

Do not wait until your green card expires to take action. Contact us today for a consultation and let us guide you through the renewal process with confidence.

Related Practice Areas: Immigration | Immigration Services | Criminal Defense

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